Lux's peace was short lived. Only a few hours after a warm farewell with his parents, an official talisman message from the Sect Master's Palace arrived, summoning him to attend immediately. A small sigh escaped Lux's lips. He had just regained his family, and already there were more demands. However, as a Direct Disciple, he had no choice.
He faced Sect Master Klahan in his simple yet dignified study. Klahan was not alone. Standing beside him, with the same thin smile that did nothing to warm his sharp, green eyes, was Grand Elder Lina Windwhisper. Her measured and cold Stage 6 Nascent Soul aura immediately made the air feel heavy. Lux felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. His memory of reports about the suspicion that this woman was the mastermind behind the sabotage of his foundation made him instinctively wary.
"Lux," Klahan greeted, his voice as usual, calm yet full of authority. "I know you have just reunited with your parents. Glad tidings. They are valuable assets to the sect."
"Thank you, Sect Master," Lux replied, giving a salute, trying to keep his voice steady.
"We have a task for you," Klahan continued. "A task that requires your unique skills."
Lina interjected, her voice as sweet as poisoned honey. "We recognize your talent in assessing energy and spiritual purity, Lux Noctis. Your abilities surpass any conventional measuring tools we possess."
Klahan nodded. "The truth is in the test. The Life Root Sect will be holding their Grand Auction, which is only held once every twenty years after a major harvest in their territory. This is a rare opportunity. There will be many rare resources, spiritual herbs thousands of years old, rare grains, and perhaps even earth-grade spiritual artifacts up for auction. Resources that could greatly accelerate the cultivation of our Direct Disciples... or even the Elders."
Lux listened carefully, his heart beginning to pound. A trip to another sect's territory? That was a thrilling prospect.
"Our sect has been invited," Klahan said. "And I want you to go as part of our delegation. Your task is to use your assessment abilities to identify the most valuable auction items, those with the highest energy purity, and those that are most suitable for our sect's needs. We have limited funds, and we must invest them wisely."
Lux's eyes widened. "Sect Master... I... I am just a Qi Nurturing Realm. Am I worthy of such a task? I might make a mistake."
"My trust in you is not misplaced, Lux," Klahan replied firmly. "The reports from Crystal Valley prove it. You see what others cannot. Grand Elder Lina will lead this delegation. She is an expert in assessing the economic and strategic value of an item. You will be her technical expert. A perfect combination."
Hearing that he would be accompanied by Grand Elder Lina, Lux's heart nearly stopped. He looked at the woman, and found a wider smile on her face, an expression that did not reach her eyes.
"Don't worry, young man," Lina said. "I will ensure your journey is safe. I will bring my four personal bodyguards, all of whom are in the Stage 5 Nascent Soul Realm. No one will dare to disturb the Burning Sky Sect delegation in neutral sect territory."
The promise of safety from the woman who may have tried to ruin him only made Lux more afraid. He imagined himself trapped in foreign territory, surrounded by Nascent Souls, with his only protector being a woman whose ambitions might consider him a disposable tool.
Perhaps sensing the fear on Lux's face, or perhaps because he himself had reservations, Klahan added, "And to ensure your complete safety since your status as a 'Star Child' is now public knowledge, Protector Ming and Kyle will accompany this trip as well. They will act as your shadow guards. Their presence will be kept secret."
A wave of relief washed over Lux so intensely that he nearly collapsed. Protector Ming! The presence of the living legend, coupled with the master of disguise Kyle, gave him a sense of security he desperately needed. He could finally take a deep breath.
"I... I understand, Sect Master. I will not disappoint your trust," Lux said in a more confident voice.
"Good," Klahan nodded in satisfaction. "Pack your things. You leave tomorrow morning. This is not just about buying resources, Lux. It's also about diplomacy. Show the world that the Burning Sky Sect not only has military strength, but also the wisdom and talent of a brilliant younger generation."
Lux bowed deeply and turned to leave. As he walked down the corridor, his mind raced. The Grand Auction! A chance to see more of the world, to witness other sects, and to prove his worth once again. His fear of Grand Elder Lina still lingered, but now it was overshadowed by anticipation and determination. Lux would use this opportunity to learn, to observe, and to ensure that his sect got the best investments.
He spent that afternoon with his parents in their new home, explaining the upcoming mission. Noctis and Lumina's faces showed a mixture of worry and pride.
"Life Root Sect," Lumina murmured. "They are known as experts in spiritual herbs and the arts of life. You will see amazing things there, Son. But... be careful. The cultivator world is slippery, even in places that seem peaceful."
"Take care of yourself, Lux," Noctis added, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "Follow Protector Ming's lead. And... be wary of Grand Elder Lina. Her reputation... well, you already know."
Lux nodded, appreciating their advice. That night, he couldn't sleep. Between the excitement of a new adventure and the anxiety of the uncertainties, coupled with the shocking reality that he now had a home and family to return to, his mind couldn't settle.
The next morning, in the special departure courtyard, the delegation had gathered. Grand Elder Lina stood gracefully, wearing a luxurious travel robe that exuded a subtle protective aura. Her four bodyguards two men and two women with cold eyes and auras as deep as the ocean stood silently behind her. They were a formidable force.
Lux, wearing his best Direct Disciple robes, approached with a firm step. He saluted the Grand Elder.
"Ready, Direct Disciple Lux Noctis?" Lina asked, her thin smile still in place.
"Ready, Grand Elder," Lux replied.
"Good. We will use the Sect's floating ship, and the journey will take several days." She waved her hand, and a luxurious medium size floating ship pulled by a pair of large firebirds that exuded a Core forging aura landed gracefully in the courtyard.
As Lux was about to board, he felt a subtle touch in his mind, a voice that only he could hear. "Relax, young man. We are watching you." It was Protector Ming's voice. Lux didn't see him or Kyle anywhere, but his confidence grew. They were there, like protective shadows.
The floating ship took off, soaring high above the Burning Sky Sect's headquarters tower, heading south, to the territory controlled by the Life Root Sect. Lux looked down, seeing his new home and the city shrinking, a mixture of longing and anticipation in his heart.
Lux didn't know that somewhere ahead, beyond the clouds and along their route, unseen dangers had begun to stir. News of the Burning Sky delegation, and especially of the young "Star Child's" participation, had reached the wrong ears. Spies from sects that still harbored grudges from the Crystal Valley War, and perhaps even darker factions interested in Lux's heritage, had activated their plans.
Maybe the journey to the Grand Auction would not be a peaceful diplomatic trip.